Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here. |
---|
What kind of unsolicited insights?Listen to your own heart and not to the voices of others particularly those Camino professionals you will invariably meet. Having done a Camino or three they believe themselves duty bound to share their unsolicited insights. Don’t let the fears of others become yours.
Listen to your own heart and not to the voices of others particularly those Camino professionals you will invariably meet. Having done a Camino or three they believe themselves duty bound to share their unsolicited insights. Don’t let the fears of others become yours.
Right!1 -don’t try and be perfect. If you understand a little of the culture and the language that’s great and will certainly enhance your experience, but if you don’t no one is going to throw you in the sea. Parts of the world throw you prison or worse for cultural misunderstandings but not Spain. No need to tread egg shells! You have have earnt your trip.
When walking don’t wear earphones or Buds, as many other pilgrims will respect that, and not make conversation. But many including me made friends with conversations along the Camino.Talking to someone who was planning to walk a Camino the other day and the topic came up , what definitely not to do while cross Spain ? 1- don’t go too far in a day . It’s easy to see on the map where you want to go , but weather , trail conditions , and your health can make it non practical. 2- don’t go past your limits trying to keep up with other pilgrims , they may be cool & fun but don’t ruin your day & next day. Clint Eastwood “a man’s gotta’ know his limitations “. 3 - make sure you eat & drink enough. Eat even power bars during the day if you don’t find a cafe and drink water every hour even if you’re not thirsty . any other ideas out there? Oh yes don’t get drunk, for lots of reasons—
Listen to your own heart and not to the voices of others particularly those Camino professionals you will invariably meet. Having done a Camino or three they believe themselves duty bound to share their unsolicited insights. Don’t let the fears of others become yours.
What kind of unsolicited insights?
Elaborate please....
It's a personal choice to use earbuds, and not everyone is looking for conversation and companionship on the trail. Respect people's preferences and differences.When walking don’t wear earphones or Buds, as many other pilgrims will respect that, and not make conversation. But many including me made friends with conversations along the Camino.
When walking don’t wear earphones or Buds, as many other pilgrims will respect that, and not make conversation. But many including me made friends with conversations along the Camino.
I totally agree.It's a personal choice to use earbuds, and not everyone is looking for conversation and companionship on the trail. Respect people's preferences and differences.
Not meaning to sound ignorant, but did your wallet get stolen?Do NOT…I repeat, do NOT put all your eggs in the same basket. I am currently in Spain traveling with a group of pilgrims from USA as their spiritual director. I was supposed to begin the Camino on Aug 28 when they depart from Portugal. Unfortunately, I lost both my credit card and my bank card somewhere in Paris, possibly in the Sacra Coer. So I will be returning with them to USA , buying another ticket to return to Spain the first week in September. Had I packed one card in my luggage and kept only one on my person, I would have no problem. Nonetheless I am blessed. New cards will be waiting for me upon my arrival home. I was able to cancel everything and no one tried using them before cancellation. Also, I still have my passport. Again, do not put all your eggs in one basket!!
I agree. If on the road anywhere and we need to use a restroom, my husband taught me to always buy something at the store.try not to just use a bar or anywhere just for the toilet
I'm new to all of this. Why not put your rucksack on your bed or bunk?Do not put your rucksack on your bed or bunk.
Dirt, bugs, all the stuff It picked up from when you took it off in bars, restrooms or on some grass.I'm new to all of this. Why not put your rucksack on your bed or bunk?
Worry! Do not worry, just take the Camino 1 step 1 day at a time.Talking to someone who was planning to walk a Camino the other day and the topic came up , what definitely not to do while cross Spain ? 1- don’t go too far in a day . It’s easy to see on the map where you want to go , but weather , trail conditions , and your health can make it non practical. 2- don’t go past your limits trying to keep up with other pilgrims , they may be cool & fun but don’t ruin your day & next day. Clint Eastwood “a man’s gotta’ know his limitations “. 3 - make sure you eat & drink enough. Eat even power bars during the day if you don’t find a cafe and drink water every hour even if you’re not thirsty . any other ideas out there? Oh yes don’t get drunk, for lots of reasons—
All great advice. I have walked two Caminos and both times I overpacked. Now that I am coaching a new pilgrim who's leaving for Spain on Aug. 29th, I told her repeatedly: "resist the temptation to pack those 'just in case' things" because they do add up.Talking to someone who was planning to walk a Camino the other day and the topic came up , what definitely not to do while cross Spain ? 1- don’t go too far in a day . It’s easy to see on the map where you want to go , but weather , trail conditions , and your health can make it non practical. 2- don’t go past your limits trying to keep up with other pilgrims , they may be cool & fun but don’t ruin your day & next day. Clint Eastwood “a man’s gotta’ know his limitations “. 3 - make sure you eat & drink enough. Eat even power bars during the day if you don’t find a cafe and drink water every hour even if you’re not thirsty . any other ideas out there? Oh yes don’t get drunk, for lots of reasons—
If you can speak some basic Spanish, the locals appreciate learning where are you from, where did you start, how far are you going, even why are you doing it -- they like to engage. By all means, if you do not know some basic Spanish, at least be polite; even a simple gesture as placing your hand over your heart, signifying gratitude goes a long way ... after all, we are guests in their country.Try to learn some basic Spanish words. If this is not possible, at least be polite. Always be polite.
I agree with everything you say, except for the "political" part.Don't play music on speakers. If you must have music, use headphones. Don't go on people's private property. Keep your political thoughts and opinions to yourselves. This one really got me. I'm from the USA and the amount of unsolicited advice about who I "needed" to vote for was horrific. I actually left the States to get away from the political noise. Keep your political opinions to yourselves on the Camino.
In England it’s politics, religion and football unless you are going to different bars than me!I agree with everything you say, except for the "political" part.
With all due respect, you have to consider that in many European countries, talking about politics is normal and fully acceptable. It is an activity we often do... and for hours!Sometimes in a very heated way. And because you are staying in Spain, it is also normal for a foreigner to accept the way of doing things in the place that hosts you.
Let me tell you a funny episode...
Years ago I moved to Australia, and as soon as I arrived, while going to lunch with a group of australian colleagues, I threw out, as a good Italian, a saying I had heard, namely that in english speaking countries, it is not okay to “talk about politics, sex and religion,” thinking it was a joke.
And one of my colleagues immediately replied, seriously, “But... why??? Do you really talk about these three things in Italy?”
Sometimes I rather wonder if we talk about anything else - besides food of course.... !
Oops!whatever you do, do not snore
I’m guessing because 1. it will be dirty or 2. It’s bad luck…not sure which one but I’m banking on the #1 because of all the walking then stopping put the back pack down on the ground, etc…I'm new to all of this. Why not put your rucksack on your bed or bunk?
It’s a long story, but I am just stupid. I should know better. I lived in Rome for two years and never lost anything. I was just careless with how I was carrying them and must have left the zipper on my waist pack open. The cash wasn’t taken, nor my passport. So I am very lucky.Not meaning to sound ignorant, but did your wallet get stolen?
I may be in trouble there!Oops!
Tom, I am in full agreement with you on politics. I planned my sabbatical to coincide with the months leading up to the election. I don’t even have a television and am tired of it. It will be nice to get away from it. I will return with one day to spare to do my civic duty.Don't play music on speakers. If you must have music, use headphones. Don't go on people's private property. Keep your political thoughts and opinions to yourselves. This one really got me. I'm from the USA and the amount of unsolicited advice about who I "needed" to vote for was horrific. I actually left the States to get away from the political noise. Keep your political opinions to yourselves on the Camino.
Yes, please ... keep them to yourselves.Keep your political thoughts and opinions to yourselves.
Oooops, so am I ...I may be in trouble there!
I have the perfect excuse for this: "I was sleeping."Oooops, so am I ...
Don’t wake a snoring pilgrim to tell him to sleep on his side because his/her snoring bothers you. Get a private room, or go home. Almost knocked the snot out of someone for pulling that on me.Talking to someone who was planning to walk a Camino the other day and the topic came up , what definitely not to do while cross Spain ? 1- don’t go too far in a day . It’s easy to see on the map where you want to go , but weather , trail conditions , and your health can make it non practical. 2- don’t go past your limits trying to keep up with other pilgrims , they may be cool & fun but don’t ruin your day & next day. Clint Eastwood “a man’s gotta’ know his limitations “. 3 - make sure you eat & drink enough. Eat even power bars during the day if you don’t find a cafe and drink water every hour even if you’re not thirsty . any other ideas out there? Oh yes don’t get drunk, for lots of reasons—
Impossible …whatever you do, do not snore
Don’t use your headlamp as a flashlight in the albergue, not even the red one. Don’t forget that you’re a guest on the Camino and that you will be literally walking through the local residents lives. Don’t forget to say gracias and por favor. Don’t forget that how you respond is totally up to you. Don’t forget to smile. Don’t forget to be grateful.Talking to someone who was planning to walk a Camino the other day and the topic came up , what definitely not to do while cross Spain ? 1- don’t go too far in a day . It’s easy to see on the map where you want to go , but weather , trail conditions , and your health can make it non practical. 2- don’t go past your limits trying to keep up with other pilgrims , they may be cool & fun but don’t ruin your day & next day. Clint Eastwood “a man’s gotta’ know his limitations “. 3 - make sure you eat & drink enough. Eat even power bars during the day if you don’t find a cafe and drink water every hour even if you’re not thirsty . any other ideas out there? Oh yes don’t get drunk, for lots of reasons—
I walked the Camino Portugues from Lisbon last year . Only saw a few with their phones checking the route , mainly from Tui, but did see more with their earbuds oblivious to their surroundings.Don't be overly concerned and scared about staying on the Camino path, especially the Frances. It is so well marked and honestly you gotta be walking with your proverbial cranium in da six to get lost.
I recently walked the Frances and it was comical how app dependent so many pilgrims were. They literally walked with their cellphones in their hands staring at the screen and at times when they walked past me I could hear the audible directions
Several pilgrims were shocked that I walked without an app or with my cellphone even being on.
You may transfer or pick up bed bugs.I'm new to all of this. Why not put your rucksack on your bed or bunk?
Yes this is very true for those who can NOT walk but can still follow the trail on the internet (by whatever means) and the big item here is the google Street View PANO which allows you to continually look behind as well as any other direction.Do not forget to stop periodically to look behind you wherever you walk.
Well, that is a different bit of advice. Myself, I ALWAYS have the phone in my pocket or for a short time in the drybag on the way into the shower. I use the phone all day to take pics and check routes and check emails during breaks. Rarely, I call ahead to an albergue. Never got hung up on elevations. If encountering a hill, I just go up until complete. The phone will not make the hill easier or smaller or the distance less.If you can bear it, don’t walk with your phone in your pocket. I spent a day and a half glued to the elevation map trying to figure out whether the hill was finished. Then my phone scared me by refusing to charge so I kept it switched off in my bag for the next day and I was SO much more present for the walk. Kept it off and in my bag the rest of the walking and next time I’ll do so from the start.
It is after all their Camino ...I walked the Camino Portugues from Lisbon last year . Only saw a few with their phones checking the route , mainly from Tui, but did see more with their earbuds oblivious to their surroundings.
I agree even as a European. I don’t think some Europeans quite realise how toxic this has become … to a tourist like me from UK who has spent a couple of months in USA this year it’s not a conversation I would start!Tom, I am in full agreement with you on politics. I planned my sabbatical to coincide with the months leading up to the election. I don’t even have a television and am tired of it. It will be nice to get away from it. I will return with one day to spare to do my civic duty.
Yes indeed the main word IS Joy (as in enjoy) and it is Ode to Joy that is the European Anthem - and if you take the time to examine the words you will find Beethoven's (Schiller's) reference to "pilgrim joy"Enjoy every second, enjoy your walk, enjoy your companions,enjoy the beauty of it all,
I agree with everything you say, except for the "political" part.
With all due respect, you have to consider that in many European countries, talking about politics is normal and fully acceptable. It is an activity we often do... and for hours!Sometimes in a very heated way. And because you are staying in Spain, it is also normal for a foreigner to accept the way of doing things in the place that hosts you.
Let me tell you a funny episode...
Years ago I moved to Australia, and as soon as I arrived, while going to lunch with a group of australian colleagues, I threw out, as a good Italian, a saying I had heard, namely that in english speaking countries, it is not okay to “talk about politics, sex and religion,” thinking it was a joke.
And one of my colleagues immediately replied, seriously, “But... why??? Do you really talk about these three things in Italy?”
Sometimes I rather wonder if we talk about anything else - besides food of course.... !
At some places, particularly if you arrived late, and had a top bunk, there was simply no where else to put your pack but on your bunk.Dirt, bugs, all the stuff It picked up from when you took it off in bars, restrooms or on some grass.
Have you walked a camino yet?Carry your own bag and don't take shortcuts
Excellent adviceTalking to someone who was planning to walk a Camino the other day and the topic came up , what definitely not to do while cross Spain ? 1- don’t go too far in a day . It’s easy to see on the map where you want to go , but weather , trail conditions , and your health can make it non practical. 2- don’t go past your limits trying to keep up with other pilgrims , they may be cool & fun but don’t ruin your day & next day. Clint Eastwood “a man’s gotta’ know his limitations “. 3 - make sure you eat & drink enough. Eat even power bars during the day if you don’t find a cafe and drink water every hour even if you’re not thirsty . any other ideas out there? Oh yes don’t get drunk, for lots of reasons—
Don't plan your schedule too tightly - allow yourself several days (I recommend 5 - 7 ) as a cushion. During a month or more of walking there are things that are bound to throw you off any planned schedule, such as illness, injury, or just a desire to spend more time in a certain town or region. If you haven't used those days when you get to Santiago use them to go to Finisterre and/or Muxía or explore another part of Spain.
And don't book a flight home for the day after you arrive in Santiago. You have taken quite a bit of time to walk there, spend some time in the city to relax and enjoy yourself.
I was wondering about booking flight home.Trying to summarize all the advices based on all previous posts (including mine!):
1) walk only on tiptoe, but at least at 20 km/h: the marathon world record is there then.
2) do at least 40 km a day, but remember that you may be sore and hungry after about 100 meters.
3) don't put anything unnecessary in your backpack, but put everything you might need in case of natural disasters, including alien invasions and meteorites extinction Chicxulub-like events. The backpack should weigh less than 2 kg, but at least 20 kg. If you have problems with the 10% rule, as I have already suggested, EAT A LOT IN THE WEEKS BEFORE THE CAMINO.
4) don't make a fuss with anyone! Total silence! But greet and ask stupid questions to anyone you meet along the way, in hostel, bars, restaurants and cafes.
5) Go for the Camino Frances in the middle of August, but avoid the busiest time and only if it is winter, raining, hailing or snowing.
6) want to sleep? remember you will find everything full but you can't sleep on the street. Stay wandering the streets all night, never even leaning against a wall. Strictly forbidden!
7) Don't talk to others about politics, religion, sex, weather, family, personal issues, food, current events, sports, cerveza, wine, booze, annoying children and parents, diseases, sorrows, old age, ethnicities, nationalities, dogs, cats, birds, goldfish. And better to be silent instead about what is left.
8) Keep it to the end: you will only be able to pee and do your business in the toielette of the plane for the return trip.
9) you must be TERRIFIED by the Camino de Santiago, but... come on! don't "overthink" about it: just go to the nearest airport and take the first available flight. The rest...you'll see.
Anything else?
i was wondering about gauging date for return flight home. Sounds like adding some days as a cushion is recommended. Also, Easter 2025 is AprilDon't plan your schedule too tightly - allow yourself several days (I recommend 5 - 7 ) as a cushion. During a month or more of walking there are things that are bound to throw you off any planned schedule, such as illness, injury, or just a desire to spend more time in a certain town or region. If you haven't used those days when you get to Santiago use them to go to Finisterre and/or Muxía or explore another part of Spain.
And don't book a flight home for the day after you arrive in Santiago. You have taken quite a bit of time to walk there, spend some time in the city to relax and enjoy yourself.
I was wondering about when to book return trip. Sounds like adding some days is recommended. Also, Easter 2025 is April 20. Will things open up pretty soon after. Thinking starting late April might get me ahead of May crowd?Don't plan your schedule too tightly - allow yourself several days (I recommend 5 - 7 ) as a cushion. During a month or more of walking there are things that are bound to throw you off any planned schedule, such as illness, injury, or just a desire to spend more time in a certain town or region. If you haven't used those days when you get to Santiago use them to go to Finisterre and/or Muxía or explore another part of Spain.
And don't book a flight home for the day after you arrive in Santiago. You have taken quite a bit of time to walk there, spend some time in the city to relax and enjoy yourself.
There are those who will stress how important it is to reserve a bed in advance of arrival. Or maybe those who will insist that you NEVER need to do that. Or tell you that you need to get out the door at zero-dark-thirty or you’ll not get a bed in the next village.What kind of unsolicited insights?
I was advised to have credit or debit cards from two different banks in case one was unexpectedly off line. I personally witnessed the value of that advice twice!Had I packed one card in my luggage and kept only one on my person, I would have no problem
Not necessarily...my bag was unzipped and my purse was lifted expertly outside the Sacre Coeur some years ago. A fruitless morning was spent at the Police Station reporting the loss.It’s a long story, but I am just stupid. I should know better. I lived in Rome for two years and never lost anything. I was just careless with how I was carrying them and must have left the zipper on my waist pack open. The cash wasn’t taken, nor my passport. So I am very lucky.
Nah. Do not forget your earplugs.whatever you do, do not snore
Someone else responded about dirt and bugs which is all so, so true. Backpacks are pretty dirty creatures. Think about where you see backpacks laying about during the day and if you want those things on your bed. Also you may have picked up bedbugs (I know this falls under the guise of bugs) and keeping your pack on the bed can spread the bedbugs. If there is a hook it is always best to put your backpack on a hook on a wall. Protects you from infestation and protects others from your/my pack. Buen caminoI'm new to all of this. Why not put your rucksack on your bed or bunk?
I saw the earbud wearing pilgrims on my recent Camino Frances fairly often and sometimes when they were walking on roadways. Totally unsafe and quite frankly, dumb thing to do.I walked the Camino Portugues from Lisbon last year . Only saw a few with their phones checking the route , mainly from Tui, but did see more with their earbuds oblivious to their surroundings.
It's rude and unsanitary to do that and the albergues don't want you to do that.At some places, particularly if you arrived late, and had a top bunk, there was simply no where else to put your pack but on your bunk.
This wasn’t directed at me, but I’ll wade in - since I’ve done 6 (or 13 if you want to count SdC to Muxia and/or Fisterra) - with an example of a time when I did offer unsolicited advice. I (along with others) do talk about my Camino’s a lot - because it is such a huge part of my life in these last ten years. But THAT in and of itself is not “sharing unsolicited advice”.I too are not sure what you mean by this. I can tell you that people who have done a camino or 8 or 10, and I don't mean just Sarria to Santiago (not that there is anything wrong with that) I have never heard on this forum or on my Caminos anyone sharing advice tainted with fear let alone offering advice that is not solicited/asked for. As RJM stated can you elaborate. It would be good to do this so we can look out for this type of advice in the future.
You know I was thinking about this post a little earlier. When I am on the camino and like yourself I have walked many caminos, I have had new pilgrims ask me for advice when they know that I have walked so many times. I do try to keep my advice specific to their questions and try to be as objective as possible. Like yourself if someone is going to do something that I believe may be foolish I will offer my advice. You are correct that they may reject what we say and I respect it and leave it be.This wasn’t directed at me, but I’ll wade in - since I’ve done 6 (or 13 if you want to count SdC to Muxia and/or Fisterra) - with an example of a time when I did offer unsolicited advice. I (along with others) do talk about my Camino’s a lot - because it is such a huge part of my life in these last ten years. But THAT in and of itself is not “sharing unsolicited advice”.
On my second Camino, I was in Rabanal, and in conversation with two people I had just met. They were talking about going to Molinesca the next day, and possibly Ponferrada. I was fairly adamant that they would be better off to stop in El Acebo - because I remembered the rocky descent and how hard it had been on me. They politely, but firmly, put their fingers in their ears, and let me know that it was this type of info that first timers needed to learn on their own.
They were right, and I think from that experience I have (usually) been able to draw the line between offering unsolicited advice and talking about the riches of my Caminos?
Definitely add in days to give yourself a cushion. There's so much that can happen while walking a Camino that can send your plans into the trashcan. You don't want to end up in the position where you need to walk ridiculously long stages or skip stages to get to Santiago on time.i was wondering about gauging date for return flight home. Sounds like adding some days as a cushion is recommended
Personally, I hate earbuds, even if they would stay in, which they don’t. But I like music and listening to spoken bible passages. But if you’re like me, also be like me and mute or pause when approaching others who might not have the same preference!It's a personal choice to use earbuds, and not everyone is looking for conversation and companionship on the trail. Respect people's preferences and differences.
And the only thing you can’t buy in Spain is the data in your electronic devices. Well, one of my medicines isn’t available in Spain or Italy, but all the others were cheaper than USA and didn’t require prescription.All great advice. I have walked two Caminos and both times I overpacked. Now that I am coaching a new pilgrim who's leaving for Spain on Aug. 29th, I told her repeatedly: "resist the temptation to pack those 'just in case' things" because they do add up.
An older Spanish gentleman insisted that I'd walk better if removed the rubber tips from my trekking poles. I said, "I'm good." He kept loudly insisting as I quickly walked away, saying "buenos dias."Listen to your own heart and not to the voices of others particularly those Camino professionals you will invariably meet. Having done a Camino or three they believe themselves duty bound to share their unsolicited insights. Don’t let the fears of others become yours.
This year I bought a bone conduction headset. I love it because there is nothing blocking my ears at all. The speakers sit in front of my ears on my temples.Personally, I hate earbuds, even if they would stay in, which they don’t. But I like music and listening to spoken bible passages.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?